A speak-and-spell fantasy

It’s easy to underestimate the challenges of crafting contemporary fantasy, especially when one compares the task with that of writing its older cousin, the traditional swords-and-sorcery fantasy. But just because the author of a contemporary fantasy can skip some expository steps in character development and setting if the protagonist is an ex-Navy SEAL named Josh living in Boston...

All in a day's work

What would you do if your company had a shocking secret that only you knew? Anyone suspicious of contemporary corporations will love the answer provided by Australian author Max Barry, who offers an intriguing and extremely funny look at the business world in his new novel, Company. Barry, who sold computers for Hewlett-Packard before launching his writing career, depicts the irrational,...

Sci-fi Column by Gavin Grant

<B>A grand ol' space opera</B> Scottish writer Ken MacLeod is one of the hottest new science fiction writers around, and his latest space opera, <!--BPLINK=076530502X--><B>Engine City</B><!--ENDBPLINK--> (Tor, $24.95, 304 pages, ISBN 076530502X), is sure to expand his readership. <I>Engine City</I> can be enjoyed by itself or as part of the...